The United States has confirmed that three members of the US armed forces have been killed during the operation against Iran. Five others suffered shrapnel wounds and concussions; they are receiving treatment and are expected to return to duty.
The news is a significant development for the US administration, which on the first day of operations had stressed that there were no casualties. The change in the situation increases political pressure in Washington.
Donald Trump campaigned as a "no-war president," while Vice President JD Vance has previously expressed similar views. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard also previously opposed a military confrontation with Iran before changing her position.
US authorities have not provided details on the location where the three soldiers were killed, arguing that the publication of such information could be used by Iran for operational purposes against American personnel.
Meanwhile, claims circulated on social media for about an hour that the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln had been hit in the Persian Gulf. United States Central Command immediately denied these reports, clarifying that the missiles fired had fallen short of the target and that the ship continues operations, launching aircraft towards targets in Iran.
